Hispanic Community Outreach: The next Juntos con Irving (Together with Irving) meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at Lorenzo de Zavala Middle School, 707 W. Pioneer Drive. At this Spanish-language community event, attendees will learn about resources available from the Irving Independent School District to help students succeed. In addition, Irving Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Dana Bedden and Irving Police Chief Larry Boyd will participate in Spanish-language question-and-answer sessions.
Art Collection Opening: The community is invited to the opening of a new art collection from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Heritage Senior Center, 200 S. Jefferson St. On display will be 22 original works of art by posthumous, professional and student artists. All artists are senior residents and many will be on-site for this event. Refreshments will be served.
Friday Nite Live: The City of Irving is hosting a Friday Nite Live Teen Talent Competition at 7 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. At the competition, teens will compete and showcase their talent. This event is free to the public. Auditions will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Irving Arts Center. Registration deadline is Jan. 20.
Public Input Meetings: Residents will have the opportunity to provide input to city staff and project architects on the new South Irving Library at community input meetings scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20 and 26 at the Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd. The new library will replace the existing Central Library location, which is slated to open late 2012. Residents who cannot attend the meetings are invited to provide written input online. For more information, watch video on demand or call (972) 721-2606.
Libraries Closed: Library patrons are advised that all Irving Public Library locations will be closed Jan. 27 for a staff in-service day.
State of the City: The 2011 State of the City dinner is set for Jan. 27 at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd. For ticket information, visit www.irvingchamber.com or call (214) 217-8473.
Teen Court Volunteers: The next Teen Court training session will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Criminal Justice Center, 305 N. O’Connor Road. Teens, ages 14-17, who want to participate in the program as prosecutors, defense attorneys, jurors, clerks or bailiffs are invited to complete an application and attend the training session. Applications are due Jan. 21. For more information, call (972) 721-3601. Download an application online.
Landscape Design: An exciting course combining landscape design and water conservation will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 12 at the Garden and Arts Building, 906 S. Senter St. Registration is now available for the following free classes as well as other green courses at www.cityofirving.org/begreen. For more information, call (972) 742-2296.
Fix-a-Bull Clinic: Irving Animal Services, in conjunction with Respect a Bull Inc. and the Humane Animal Rescue Team, is hosting a free spay and neuter clinic for 50 pit bulls in Irving. Pets admitted to the clinic also will receive a rabies vaccine, city license and microchip at no cost. A mandatory class will be held at 4 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Irving Animal Care Campus, 4140 Valley View Lane. Pet owners must demonstrate proof of Irving residency. Spaying and neutering will take place Feb. 17. To make an appointment, call (817) 487-2226.
Master Composter Course: The annual two-day Spring Master Composter training course will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 19 and 26 at Senter East Building, 228 Chamberlain St. To register, call (972) 742-2296, or visit www.cityofirving.org/begreen, select “Educational Opportunities” and select “Master Composter Training.” A refundable deposit of $20 is required for registration. Registrants must attend both days to receive their deposit.
Campión Trails Night Hike: Take a hike with native species experts at Bird’s Fort at Campión Trails, 5756 Riverside Drive from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 28. Participants will learn more about the sights, smells and sounds of nature. Registration is now available for this free event at www.cityofirving.org/begreen. For more information, call (972) 742-2296.
Northwest Branch Closing: In preparation for the opening of the LEED certified West Irving Library, March 5 will be the last day of operation for the Northwest Branch Library. The 25,000-square-foot West Irving Library, located on the corner of Rochelle and Esters roads, is scheduled to open this April. In the interim, patrons who frequent the Northwest Branch may visit the Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd., for service.
Interpretive Naturalist Training: The City of Irving is training individuals to serve as docents to assist with nature hikes at Campión Trails and conduct nature classes. Interpretive Naturalist Training (beginner level) will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. March 8 at Northwest Recreation Center, 2800 Cheyenne St. Students who have completed the beginner’s class are invited to sign up for the advanced level course, which will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. March 10 at Northwest Recreation Center. Registration for the training classes is available at www.cityofirving.org/begreen. Those who pass the advanced level training will receive certification. For more information, call (972) 742-2296.
